If you’ve been searching for a natural way to feel calmer, more focused, or more balanced throughout your day, OOM Drinks is the wellness brand you need to know. Founded by siblings Ellie and Will, OOM is redefining the UK functional beverage space with lightly sparkling drinks powered by adaptogens, nootropics, and functional mushrooms - all designed to support everyday wellbeing without caffeine, sugar crashes, or quick-fix stimulants.
Born from the founders’ own experiences with stress, ADHD, burnout, and the pressure of modern life, OOM Drinks was created to make feeling good simple, delicious, and genuinely effective. With three core blends - OOM Balance, OOM Calm, and OOM Focus - Ellie and Will have crafted a clean, plant-based, vegan range that merges science-backed ingredients like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Chaga with refreshing, grown-up flavours people actually want to drink.
We dive into the story behind OOM, how two siblings turned a shared passion for wellbeing into one of the UK’s most exciting functional mushroom drink brands, and why they believe small daily rituals can transform how we feel. Whether you’re curious about adaptogens, exploring alcohol-free alternatives, or starting your own wellness journey, Ellie’s insights offer an inspiring and educational look into OOM’s mission - to help us all find a little more balance, naturally.
What inspired you and your brother Will to create OOM drinks, and how did your shared passion for wellness and functional mushrooms turn into a business idea?
Will and I had both reached that point where life was just… a lot. Work, stress, screens, the pressure to constantly be “on” We were looking for support that didn’t rely on caffeine or those crash-and-burn quick fixes. During COVID, we both ended up back home for a month, which gave us this rare pocket of time to slow down and really look after ourselves.
Both of us had been diagnosed with ADHD later in life, which shifted a lot for us. We started researching alternative ways to support our focus and overall wellbeing, initially just out of curiosity, and that’s when Will came across an article about Lion’s Mane. We ordered some, tried it, and honestly, the difference we felt was incredible: calmer energy, clearer focus, a real sense of balance. It sparked this deep dive into the world of fungi.
I’ve always been interested in alternative wellness and the idea of supporting the body proactively rather than waiting for things to go wrong. But at the time, everything on the market felt either clinical, powdery, medicinal-tasting or over complicated. Nothing was simple, delicious, and transparent.
That’s really where OOM was born, out of our own lived experience. We wanted to create drinks that made feeling good easy, enjoyable, and part of everyday life.
OOM is a clever play on the word 'mushroom'. How did the name come about, and what does it represent in your brand philosophy?
We wanted something that hinted at mushrooms without being too on-the-nose, something fun, modern, and easy to say. “OOM” felt perfect. It’s literally the centre of “mushrOOM”, but it also has this calm, grounding sound to it… almost like a breath out, or the meditation sound “OOM” which a lot of people get confused with and is something with Will and me being dyslexic we never realized would be a problem, but it kind of works now we think! For us, OOM represents simplicity, approachability, and grounding, from the inside out.
For the people new to functional beverages, how would you explain what OOM drinks are and how they support everyday wellbeing?
OOM is a range of lightly sparkling, functional drinks made with adaptogens, nootropics, functional mushrooms and vitamins, ingredients traditionally used to help the body find balance. Each can is designed to support a different everyday need: steady focus, calm relaxation, or all-round balance.
Think of OOM as a natural nudge in the right direction, not a buzz or a crash, but gentle, steady support that slots into your day.
You launched OOM Balance, OOM Calm, and OOM Focus. How did you decide on these three core formulations, and what needs did you want each drink to support?
We looked at the three things’ people struggle with most: stress, focus, and feeling balanced in our body. Everyone we spoke to circled back to these themes. Balance is the everyday all-rounder: immunity, resilience, gut + mind support. Calm is for relaxation, destressing and winding down without sedatives or alcohol. Focus supports productivity, clarity and keeps you in flow without caffeine jitters. Balance, Focus and calm three things everyone could use a little more of in their days based on how they feel.
What role do functional mushrooms and adaptogens play in your recipes, and why were they essential ingredients?
Functional mushrooms and adaptogens are basically nature’s way of helping your body cope with the chaos of modern life. They don’t give you a spike-and-crash effect, they work with your system to bring you back to centre.
Adaptogens are plants that help your body respond to stress more evenly. If you’re overwhelmed, they help calm you; if you’re flat, they help lift you.
Functional mushrooms, like Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Chaga, have been used for centuries for things like immunity, focus, and emotional balance, and modern research is finally catching up.
And nootropics are nature’s brain boosters, ingredients that support clarity, focus and cognitive function without the jitters you get from stimulants.
Vitamins are essential because they support everyday functions in the body, from energy and immunity to brain health and overall wellbeing.
For us, these ingredients were essential because we didn’t want to create another “health-washed” soft drink that sounds good on a label but doesn’t do anything. OOM was created to be a daily ritual, something you reach for because you genuinely love the taste and the way it makes you feel. So, every recipe starts with a need, Balance, Focus or Calm, and then we build flavour around it matching the personality to each drink. It had to taste incredible, but it also had to support you in a real, tangible way.
Many customers are curious about taste. How did you develop flavours that make mushroom-based wellness drinks enjoyable and approachable?
This was one of the hardest parts. Mushrooms are powerful, but they naturally have an earthy flavour, so getting the balance right took us over a year. With my drinks background and Will’s as a chef, flavour was non-negotiable, we spent months pairing the functional ingredients with fruits and botanicals that complemented their profiles rather than masking them.
We also wanted OOM to feel like a genuine alternative to alcohol and standard soft drinks. People want grown-up, flavourful options without the sugar crash or the foggy head, so OOM had to deliver on taste as much as function. Each flavour is refreshing, sophisticated, and satisfying enough to enjoy on its own or replace that evening glass of wine. That balance was essential for us.
OOM Drinks are vegan with no added sugar. Why was it important to keep the range plant-based and free from unnecessary sweeteners?
We wanted OOM to feel clean, something you could drink daily without thinking twice. Unnecessary sweeteners never made sense for us. The whole point was to offer an alternative to sugary or artificial drinks, not recreate them. That’s why OOM has no artificial sweeteners, no added sugar and no hidden nasty ingredients, just clean powerful goodness!
Plant-based was equally important. We’re inspired by nature, so keeping the drinks aligned with that philosophy was non-negotiable and way more inclusive for everyone!
Can you talk us through the science-backed benefits of the mushrooms you use, such as Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Chaga, and why they're powerful for energy, focus, and calm?
Absolutely. We source our mushroom extracts from a leading European supplier known for high-quality, standardised extracts with clean purity and consistent active compounds. Their ingredients are backed by both research and long-standing traditional use, which is why we trust them in our formulations.
Lion’s Mane is one of the most researched mushrooms for cognition. Studies suggest it can support nerve growth factor (NGF), improve clarity, memory and focus, and reduce “brain fog” which is why it sits at the core of OOM Focus.
Reishi, traditionally known as the “mushroom of calm”, helps support stress reduction, relaxation, sleep quality, and immune resilience. It brings the soothing, grounding effect we wanted for OOM Calm, without causing drowsiness.
Chaga is rich in antioxidants and supports immunity, inflammation balance, and everyday vitality. Its steady, non-stimulating support makes it perfect for OOM Balance, helping you feel more resilient and centred.
All three mushrooms help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance, naturally, without caffeine or artificial stimulants. And because we use clinically studied, standardised extracts, every can of OOM delivers meaningful functional support you can actually feel with consistent use.
How did your personal experience with wellness, stress, or modern lifestyle pressures influence the creation of OOM?
Honestly, OOM started because we needed it ourselves. We’d both been through burnout and were looking for ways to feel better without adding more pressure to already hectic lives. For me especially, wellness has always been front of mind, being born premature and growing up with severe dyslexia and ADHD shaped how I deal with stress, challenge, and resilience.
The world now is relentless; there’s a constant pressure to be “on”, and it can feel completely overstimulating. Will and I felt that deeply, but we also realised that small daily rituals can make a huge difference.
That’s what drives OOM: bringing a sense of balance into the chaos of modern life without becoming another task on your to-do list. It’s our way of simplifying wellbeing for people, its not about perfection, just making it a little easier to feel human again.
What was it like building the business with your brother Will?
It’s been brilliant. Will brings the operational, sales, delivery/orders and finance side and I bring brand voice, consumer understanding, and creative direction/marketing and product development. We challenge each other constantly, in the best way, and that tension has shaped OOM into something strong and balanced. Its’s just the two of us doing everything from the ground up so it’s a lot of work but incredible as it means we both know every angel of the business back to front and the family dynamic keeps us grounded. We’re building something we both believe in deeply.
What surprised you most when you started exploring functional mushroom drinks?
Two things: How much evidence there actually is, once you dig into the science, it’s incredibly compelling.
How quickly people “get it” once they taste it and feel the effects. The initial “mushroom?” reaction flips into curiosity and enthusiasm fast.
OOM is positioned as a natural alternative to caffeine, sugary drinks, and quick fixes. How do you want consumers to feel after drinking OOM regularly?
For us, OOM isn’t just a wellness drink, it represents a bigger shift in how people want to feel day-to-day. More of us are becoming intentional about what we drink. We’re moving away from caffeine spikes, sugary soft drinks, and alcohol as a default, and towards options that support our wellbeing rather than take from it.
OOM is designed to fit right into that movement. Whether someone is swapping their afternoon coffee, reaching for something more interesting than a standard soft drink, or choosing an alcohol-free option in the evening, we want OOM to leave them feeling clearer, calmer, and more energised, not wired, sluggish, or compromised. It’s about gentle, steady support that makes you feel more like yourself.
From sourcing mushrooms to making the final drink, how do you ensure quality and transparency across the supply chain?
We source from suppliers who specialise in high-quality extracts, verified, tested, and standardised. Every batch is tested for purity and potency. All drinks are manufactured in the UK, and we keep the formulas as clean and traceable as possible. Quality over shortcuts, always.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about adaptogens and functional mushrooms that you hope OOM can clear up?
That they’re “woo-woo” or niche. They’re incredibly well-studied and have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. Another misconception is that they taste bad, they don’t have to. OOM is proof you can make functional mushrooms delicious and mainstream.
How has your own daily routine changed since launching OOM? Do you have a personal favourite?
My daily routine has changed massively since launching OOM, in the best way. I still work in hospitality as an Operations Manager, but it’s now more part-time. The rest of my day is OOM, all the time. Because it’s just me and Will, we’re juggling everything ourselves! OOM is also genuinely part of my wellness routine. I drink the full range daily; I love them all! Beyond the drinks, I take all our mushroom extracts in liquid form directly from our supplier. I’m obsessed with the quality, they’re sustainable, organic, and backed by proper human trials. It’s reassuring to work with ingredients I truly believe in and take myself.
Because life is so full-on now, I’m also much more intentional about what I eat, the amount of sleep I get and remembering to check-in with myself, and Will. When you’re balancing two jobs and launching a business, it’s very easy to burn out, so staying grounded and nourished is essential.
As for favourites… I honestly couldn’t pick; I love them all so much!
For customers starting their 'adaptogenic journey', what's the best way to incorporate OOM into a daily wellness ritual?
Keep it simple. The best way to start your adaptogenic journey with OOM is to choose the OOM blend that matches how you want to feel, or simply the flavour you’re craving. Don’t think of OOM as another wellness task or something you must “remember to take”. Think of it as an upgrade to something you’re already having, instead of that third coffee, a sugary soda, or even a glass of wine in the evening, just reach for an OOM.
What’s great is that you’ll feel benefits from just one can, but the real magic comes with consistency and making it part of your daily ritual. And honestly, because OOM genuinely tastes good, it’s not something you’ll have to force into your routine. It becomes a habit you look forward to, and the benefits only build from there.
What challenges did you face bringing mushroom-based drinks to the UK market, and how did you overcome scepticism or unfamiliarity?
The UK isn’t as familiar with functional mushrooms as the US, so education was a huge part of launching OOM. People had heard of the ingredients but didn’t really know what they did, and many expected them to taste earthy or medicinal. Sampling, clear messaging and brand awareness became essential, once people actually taste the drinks, the scepticism disappears.
The regulatory landscape also adds challenges. With ASA rules and the grey area around mushrooms, nootropics and adaptogens, you have to be incredibly careful about how you talk about function, especially in a wellness space where a lot of brands overclaim. We’ve navigated it by working closely with experts, staying transparent, and keeping everything simple, honest, and compliant. By focusing on flavour, ritual, and how OOM makes people feel, we’ve built trust in a category that’s still new for many people in the UK.
The wellness space is growing fast. How do you keep OOM innovative, credible, and rooted in genuine wellbeing?
We stay grounded in what matters: creating products that genuinely help people feel better, not things that just look good on a shelf. Innovation for us is intentional. It’s about thoughtful formulations, clean labels, and flavours people genuinely crave every single day. Honestly, our customers guide us just as much as the anything does. We listen, to what they reach for, what they ask for, and what they feel when they drink OOM. That feedback loop keeps us evolving in a way that’s real, not reactive.
At the end of the day, wellbeing should feel simple, enjoyable, and trustworthy. If we stay true to that, OOM stays innovative in the right way, thoughtful, functional, and grounded in genuine wellbeing, not hype.
Looking ahead, what future flavours or product expansions are you excited about?
We’re exploring new functional blends, seasonal flavours, and different formats, all still grounded in our core values. The goal is to broaden the range without losing the simplicity people love. We would love to continue expanding into the no/low/mid strength market and grow OOM as a brand people love and trust.
Finally, what do you hope people feel when they take their first sip of OOM and where can they find OOM?
We hope people feel an immediate sense of relief, like they’ve just given themselves a tiny moment back. OOM was created to make wellbeing effortless, so that first sip should feel refreshing, grounding, and a little bit empowering. Whether someone is looking for more balance, focus, or calm, we want them to feel the difference without having to think about it, just a really delicious drink that genuinely supports how they want to feel.
Most of all, I hope it feels like a new kind of ritual. Something small, simple, and good that they can come back to every day.
You can find OOM in cafés, restaurants, boutique retailers and premium outlets across the UK, including places like Fortnum & Mason, Estelle Manor, Rogues, Old Sessions House, Village Whole Foods, Corner Shop 180 and over 100+ independent stockists. And of course, the full range is always available on our website for anyone who wants to explore all the flavours and functions.
Ellie’s story is not just about launching a functional mushroom drink - it’s about creating a wellness ritual that fits effortlessly into real life. OOM Drinks stands out because it combines transparency, science-backed ingredients, and truly delicious flavours with a mission rooted in lived experience. From supporting focus with Lion’s Mane to easing stress with Reishi and boosting resilience with Chaga, each can of OOM is designed to help you feel clearer, calmer, and more like yourself.
As the demand for adaptogenic drinks, alcohol-free alternatives, and functional wellness products continues to rise across the UK, OOM is leading the way with a modern, accessible approach that makes everyday wellbeing achievable for everyone. Whether you’re starting your adaptogen journey or simply looking for a healthier swap for coffee, soft drinks, or evening wine, OOM offers a mindful choice that supports balance, focus, and calm - one sip at a time.
You can discover OOM Drinks in cafés, restaurants, premium stockists, and independents across the UK, or explore the full range directly on their website. However you choose to enjoy it, OOM is a refreshing reminder that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated - it can be simple, grounding, and genuinely delicious.
Follow OOM Drinks on Instagram @oom_drinks & Visit https://oomdrinks.com/
